Looking for something you can do when you're inside beating the heat this summer? Why don't you try decorating or collaging a light switch plate? They’re usually very bland, so adding some color to one will easily jazz up your bedroom!

MATERIALS

Light switch plate

Paint brush

Mod Podge

Xacto knife

Collage pieces (you can use magazine images, scrapbook and wrapping papers, postcards, and even paperdolls!)

Step 2: Arrange your collage pieces on the switch plate to get an idea of what you want it to look like.

Step 3: Once you have your design, I would suggest taking a photo so that you can refer to it when placing the pieces down on the final piece.

Step 4: Coat your plate in Mod Podge.

Step 5: Begin by putting down the first layer of your collage, or the pieces that appear behind the other images in your photo. Then apply more Mod Podge and work on the next layer, continuing until all of your pieces are glued down.

Step 6: You can give your plate a shiny finish by coating it in Mod Podge, but this can make thin papers wrinkle. Wait until this dries before you continue.

Step 7: Embellish!!!

Step 8: So far you have collaged over the hole in the plate where the light switch comes through. Hold up the plate to some light so you can see where the hole is. Use an Xacto Knife to make a slit horizontally and a slit vertically through the hole. You will now have four flaps that you can apply glue to and fold over to adhere to the back of the plate. This way your design will continue all over your plate smoothly.

This plate ended up being simpler than I had originally planned, but I like the kind of grandma-y florals in the background and the bead on the back pocket of the jeans. When in doubt, add more glittery stickers!

Have fun making yours, and stay cool!

This is a plate I made in December. I wanted to evoke a California-y vibe with the brighter, psychedelic colors, the foil moons, stars, and hearts, and, of course, the word “California” in a particularly fitting shade of orange.